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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
1.)
How can physical therapy help me?
A
physical therapist can evaluate your condition and identify the source
of your discomfort or dysfunction. Once evaluated, the therapist will
develop a treatment program that will usually consist of a combination
of hands on manual therapy, deep water pool therapy, gym based exercise,
a full body massage after treatments and a nutritional consultation
with a specialist. You will also receive instruction in a home exercise
program as well as education on proper body mechanics and posture to
prevent re-injury.
2.)
Do I need to know how to swim? I am not comfortable in the water. Do
I have to go in the water?
You do not have to know how to swim for aquatic therapy. We use various
flotation belts and devices.
We have a hydraulic lift for those who are not ambulatory or have other
special needs.
You do not submerge your face in the water and when pinned up, your
hair will usually stay dry.
Depending on the circumstances a therapist may even get in the water
to assist you.
There are many benefits to aquatic physical therapy (insert link to
aquatics page here) so we always encourage patients to go in the water.
It is not mandatory and may not be appropriate for your care. You can
discuss any concerns with your therapist.
3.)
What is the cost of a physical therapy visit?
If you are unable to go through an insurance carrier then we offer 1/2
price visits for self pay patients. A normal visit will cost $80 per
treatment which can include but is not limited to: Hands-on manual therapy,
aquatic therapy, supervised injury specific exercise, a computerized
print out of an independent training program so our clients can get
the fastest results possible, ultrasound, electric stimulation, moist
heat packs and ice.
4.)
Do I need a referral from a Medical Doctor before coming to physical
therapy?
Our physical therapy staff can evaluate you without a referral from
a medical doctor and give you advice and exercises to start the process
of rehabilitation, but we will require a doctors referral after the
first session. When you call our clinic, our friendly staff will assist
you in determining your insurance coverage and requirements.
5.)
What will I do on my first visit?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your appointment
to complete the new patient paperwork. Bring along your physician's
referral, your insurance card (if applicable) and any other pertinent
information relevant to your visit.
You will be evaluated for an hour by a licensed physical therapist.
At this time the therapist identify the cause of your pain, and develop
a treatment plant that will help eliminate your symptoms. Each patient's
situation is unique and your plan of care specifically tailored to suit
your needs.
6.)
What should I bring/wear?
Be sure to bring or wear comfortable clothes
Athletic type shoes are recommended but not required.
Locker rooms are available complete with lockers, dry saunas and showers.
You may wish to bring a lock to put your belongings in a locker. You
may purchase locks here or borrow one of ours.
The club offers towel service for a fee or you can bring your own if
you plan to shower.
7.)
Will I always see the same Physical Therapist?
We endeavor to keep patients scheduled consistently with the same physical
therapist. From time to time due to scheduling constraints you may be
asked to work with another of our skilled therapists. You will be made
aware of any changes of this nature in advance and the interim therapist
will be completely briefed on your condition and treatment.
8.)
How about insurance?
Physical therapy is covered by most insurance plans.
We are Medicare certified and contracted with most major plans including:
Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Healthnet, Tricare/Triwest, Medicare,
Dept of Labor, Worker's Compensation, MedPay.
We also
accept workers compensation claims.
When you
call our clinic, our friendly staff will assist you in determining your
insurance coverage and requirements.
You can verify your benefits for United Health Care & Blue Shield
of California online.
Link to www.mylifepath.com
Link to www.unitedhealthcare.com
This is not a comprehensive list of plans we are affiliated with. Please
call for more information or questions you have on these and other plans.
9.)
What if I need to change or cancel an appointment?
Please call in advance of your appointment to reschedule or cancel.
We need 24 hour notice if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment.
10.)
How far in advance do I have to schedule appointments?
Depending on availability, same day appointments can sometimes be scheduled.
However, in order to maintain a consistent appointment schedule, we
ask that you try to keep your appointments scheduled out two weeks in
advance.
11.)
Do I need to buy any special equipment or supplies?
No. Everything you need for therapy is here on site. Some patients chose
to purchase various equipment and devices to continue their exercise
program at home.
12.)
What are your hours of operation?
Office hours 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday.
13.)
I was in a car accident, how does my physical therapy get paid for?
There are four options for coverage of your physical therapy bills:
1. 3rd
Party Insurance: The person who caused the accident will have insurance
that could cover a portion of the costs of your physical therapy. WSPT's
front desk associates can assist you with all information needed if
you are using 3rd party insurance.
2. Attorney Lien: Some people choose to ask an attorney for advice.
The attorney may take their case and have an attorney lien signed by
the patient. The lien is a contract that states the attorney will reimburse
WSPT if there is a settlement in the case. If there is no settlement,
the patient is responsible for the balance.
3. Self-Pay: The patient can just choose to pay for their physical therapy
treatment outright.
4. Your Personal Insurance: WSPT accepts most major insurances and will
verify your benefits before you begin your therapy.
14.)
If my Rx has a different PT company do I have to go to the PT company
designated on my prescription?
As long as you have a valid presciption for physical therapy, you can
choose what outpatient physical therapy clinic to go to. WSPt is highly
recommended among San Diego physicains for our personalized land and
water based therapy programs. If you choose WSPT a a treatent plan will
be customized to fit your needs.
15.) What is a valid presciption?
A valid doctor's prescription for physical therapy includes the prescribing
doctor's orders for physical therapy duration of those orders. You must
use your prescription within 30 days of it being issued to ensure its
medical validity. It is best to start your prescribed therapy right
way to ensure you can have better progress in your rehabilitation. You
may have to go back to your doctor if you have a prescription that is
over 30 days old.
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